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Light Rain Fog/Mist Running for their community at the McVey 5K
Third annual race, Octoberfest draws hundreds
An overcast sky and light drizzle did not deter hundreds of community residents from participating in the third annual McVey 5K and 1-mile fun run at McVey Elementary School on Saturday.
Nor did it stop the school’s Parent Teacher Association from hosting its first annual Octoberfest, a festival of vendors, food and seasonal activities that drew large crowds throughout the day.
The race, which began in 2013, has become a popular event within the East Meadow community, in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week, an initiative inside the schools that educates students on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Nearly 250 racers crossed the finish line on Saturday for the 5K — including this reporter, who placed 12th overall! — with the top time recorded by Joseph Jensen, of Wantagh, at 20 minutes and 17 seconds.
Deena Kay was the first female to cross the finish line, at 23 minutes and 10 seconds.
The top three finishers in various age groups earned trophies. All racers were provided with a free race T-shirt.
Students Eric Whitehurst and Kaitlynn Lindow were the first to finish from McVey Elementary School.
Race founder and co-director Michael Simone said he was extremely grateful to all faculty at McVey who contributed. “The teachers and staff of McVey are second to none,” he said. “They will do anything for their students, school and community; including waking up early on a Sunday in the rain to make sure this event is a success.”
For the first time, Simone said, runners from all nine schools in the East Meadow School District were represented, as well as members from several sports teams, including East Meadow High field hockey, Clarke High volleyball, Woodland football, as well as members of East Meadow High’s women’s advanced fitness class. Members of the schools’ bands also came out to play in support of the runners.
“The race is becoming a celebration of East Meadow and the East Meadow School District,” Simone said.
As runners crossed the finish line, many walked over to the fields in the school’s backyard to join the PTA. The grass was lined with dozens of vendors and local businesses. A pumpkin patch was also a popular spot for the younger attendees.
